Lẩu (hotpot) is a popular DIY tabletop stew centered on a simmering metal pot of stock at the centre of the dining table. While the pot is kept simmering, ingredients are placed into the pot and are cooked at the table. Typical hotpot ingredients include thinly sliced meat, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, wontons, egg dumplings, and seafood. Once removed from the boiling pot, each item is usually eaten with a dipping sauce. Due to the heat produced from the tabletop apparatus and the food itself, hotpot is most popular in winter.

The New Hanoian

The New Hanoian Ltd is registered with Companies House in the United Kingdom. Started in 2006 it remains the premier source for English-language information about living in Hanoi, and other major cities in Vietnam.